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As - Vespasian S C, Spes
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 77-78 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Reference(s) | RIC II.1#1008, OCRE#ric.2_1(2).ves.1008 |
| Obverse description | Laureate head of Vespasian facing right, rendered in the characteristically realistic veristic style of Flavian portraiture, with strong facial features and close-cropped hair. The bust is draped, showing the paludamentum on the left shoulder. A circular Latin legend runs around the periphery reading IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIII, partially obscured by corrosion and wear. The field displays an overall green patina consistent with prolonged burial, with some areas of surface encrustation. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIII (Translation: Imperator Caesar Vespasianus Augustus, Consul Octavum. Supreme commander (Imperator) Caesar Vespasian, emperor (Augustus), consul for the eighth time.) |
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| Additional information |
Vespasian's reign saw a deliberate program of restored coinage iconography after the civil war chaos of 69 AD, and Spes — Hope — was among the virtues systematically reintroduced to assert dynastic stability. By 77–78, his administration was also managing the financial burden of rebuilding Rome after the Year of the Four Emperors and funding the ongoing consolidation of Judaea. The choice of Spes at this late stage of his reign, rather than earlier when such reassurance was more urgently needed, remains a minor puzzle for scholars of Flavian coin policy.